Overclocking the GENIE
Rather than rubbing the motherboard like Alladin, a simple press of the button activates the GENIE. You’ll find the GENIE pretty helpful and super accurate while in Windows. The GENIE was a bit more successful up to the 200 MHz Bus Clock level, while the Intel software wasn’t quite as aggressive. That’s most likely due to OS limitations and wasn’t a surprise given that you’re overclocking while in Windows. The GENIE works!
Going through the BIOS, the system maxed out at 205 MHz Bus Clock. The system ran perfectly stable at 4.2 GHz using OCCT test over a few hours using their Linnpack test. I’d say that’s a very respectable motherboard overclock and great news for those of you thinking about buying a Core i5 750 and pushing it. Obviously, the MSI’s P55-GD80 flagship motherboard will offer a higher overclock if 4.2 GHz isn’t enough. Nonetheless, its number one cousin here does a pretty great job.
Final Thoughts
As you can see in the benchmarks, the MSI P55-GD55 compares favourable to our reference INTEL P55 platform. Both overclock well with the MSI P55-GD65 clocking in at about 5 MHz Bus Clock more than the Intel DP55KG reference board. If it were a solid 10 MHz, it would be something worth throwing confetti in to the air, but free performance is free performance.
The OC GENIE proves to quite handy and innovative. A simple press of the button and it’s engaged, so to speak. It comes close to matching the manual route through the BIOS. If you’re going for some maximum overclocking, you’ll still find the BIOS easier especially since you can manipulate power options more readily.
Audio is this board’s major downfall and you will find it lacking if you’re an intense gamer that enjoys those massive action scenes with brilliant audio. This is especially true for users with better than average audio perception. Rich audio playback and a high level of clarity are not on the table for the MSI P55-GD65. The integrated ALC889 CODEC isn’t going to give you anything close to discrete audio and fails against our Intel reference board’s Realtek ALC889A solution. There is an opportunity for MSI to close the gap here.
If you’re been saving for an X58 motherboard, then stop. The MSI P55-GD65 will run you $159.99 at your local Fry’s Electronics and Newegg leaving you extra money to play with. You may want to spend that on a shiny new sound card if you go with this board.
Overall, I still think the MSI P55-GD65 is a proven and enticing option. I have no reservations recommending this platform for the gamer or budget overclocker.
Pros
- Full color, informative bundle
- Overclocks any Lynnfield to 4.0+ GHz
- 200 MHz Bus Clock support
- Onboard OC GENIE works well for OC noobs
- Sexy dark and mysterious theme
- Bundle includes front panel header connectors
Cons
- Weak integrated audio performance
- Appreciate the bundle, but we’d rather have a game (or benchmarks).
Overall Rating: 8.5 / 10.0
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